I found ArcticMC and it is a new SMP that started only a couple days ago. It is a Towny and factions survival server so you can make a town and claim land then team up with others or fight over territory.
PVP matters here but it is not just random killing. They use an honor system and it is explained in their rules so combat is supposed to stay fair.
There is McMMO skills so you level up as you play and unlock abilities when you get higher levels. They also have custom items like furniture and it is entity based so they plan limits per chunk to help with lag.
The world uses Tectonic generation so the terrain looks realistic with big mountains and valleys. The community is meant to be calm and friendly so you can build grind explore or just hang out.
Fresh Towny Factions SMP With Honor PVP
Alliance diplomacy playBuilder friendly vibeCustom furniture itemsFaction warfare focusskill leveling grind
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPTwo-Team Regions War SMP
Adjacent claim raidsearly access communityEvolving gameplay loopProtected region bordersSeasonal smp cycle
RegionsSMP is a seasonal SMP where everyone picks one of two teams and then the whole month turns into a big fight for the map.
The main idea is regions. Your team can claim regions and try to take control over time. A claimed region is protected from the other team unless they own a region right next to it. That makes the border areas feel like an active warzone with lots of pushing and taking land back.
The server is run like a passion project and it changes as new seasons happen. The owner wants to learn each season and upgrade the next one with adjustments and new things.
Even though it is war and PvP focused there is still room for other play styles. Some custom builds can be brought into new wars as protected builds so builders can still show off and keep important stuff safe.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP